Ginger Root #bebetter52

Ginger is one of the oldest traditional and aromatic treatments in the world. It is often referred to as ginger root, although it is not actually a root. The edible part you find in grocery stores is actually the stem. In the Western diet, ginger is typically used in sugary items, such as ginger cookies and ginger ale. In Asian cultures, by contrast, it is chopped fresh into dishes or brewed in teas.

Ginger has many health benefits. Along with anti-inflammatory properties, it helps with digestion, joint health, gas relief, fights cancer and other illnesses, and detoxifies our bodies and the air.

This week’s Be Better challenge is to incorporate fresh, organic ginger into your diet by either grating it into a dish, adding it to a fresh juice, or steeping it to make tea. Why organic? Ginger is a stem and, if not organic, will have pesticide residue on it that has been absorbed and cannot be washed off.

Ginger is an amazing herb to incorporate even when you’re healthy, but try using it especially if you have one of the following symptoms, and see how incredible it is:

Not hungry, even though you should be? Use ginger before eating to stimulate digestion and increase appetite.

Fighting the flu? Use ginger to help your body fight off flu symptoms. While your white cells work on patching the cells and defending against the illness, ginger acts as a barrier to the high levels of prostaglandins that induce fever, headache, and cramps. Ginger also promotes sweating, which cleans out the pores and eliminates toxins. Research has also shown that sweat includes a germ-fighting compound, dermicidin. It has been positively connected to reduced bacterial and viral infections in a person who sweats regularly, since it creates a sheen on the skin, a protective layer of previously unknown proteins.

Have menstrual cramps? Scientists believe that high levels of prostaglandins contribute to increased menstrual cramps. Ginger reduces the level of prostaglandins in the body, relieving the cramps.

Nauseated? Studies show that ginger effectively relieves nausea due to pregnancy, chemotherapy and motion sickness. It is quickly absorbed and fast-acting, and a good alternative to medication without the side effects.

Arthritis or joint pain? Ginger has been shown to be anti-inflammatory, which decreases pain.

It’s also a natural aphrodisiac.

Ginger and Cancer

Exciting research on ginger shows that it can play a preventive role against cancer. Gingerols, the same compounds that give ginger its anti-inflammatory qualities, have also been shown to prevent carcinogenic activity in the colon that can lead to colorectal cancer. This is yet another way that ginger benefits the gastrointestinal system, making it a perfect addition to every meal. More recent studies have also connected gingerols to apoptosis – a physiological process eliminating DNA-damaged, superfluous, or unwanted cells -- in ovarian cancer, thereby reducing tumors and the growth of cancerous cells without harming the healthy cells around them.

How to use it:

Ginger is best used in its raw state or steeped in tea. Grate it into rice and chicken dishes raw or juice it and incorporate it into a healthy, fresh vegetable juice. You can also grate it and brew a fresh tea with lemon juice and honey to drink first thing in the morning and before meals to help with digestion.

Spicy Fragrant Ginger Rice (Recipe from Food Matters Website)Cook basmati rice. When you take the lid off the pan, quickly stir in finely chopped garlic, ginger, green chilies and fresh cilantro leaves – the burst of flavor and fragrance will drive your senses crazy with desire!